Shoe fastening device



1955 s. MICOLLINS 3,217,371

SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 14. 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 u fi A V//////////,; 20 a6 7 INVENTOR.

4 J04 OM o/v m. (044/6 BY W rem, $6M m Nov. 16, 1965 s. M. COLLINS SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 14, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. JOZOM av 44. COAz/IVS A TTOR/VfVJ Nov. 16, 1965 s. M. COLLINS SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 14, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 K m m V m SOLO/MON M. (Oil/N6 BY )W TEE; l S y w Q4 1 ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,217,371 SHOE FASTENING DEVICE Solomon M. Collins, 18470 Muirland, Detroit, Mich. Continuation of application Ser. No. 159,400, Dec. 14, 1961. This application Sept. 16, 1964, Ser. No. 398,475 13 Claims. (Cl. 24140) This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 159,400, filed Dec. 14, 1961, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a fastening device for shoes and relates particularly to an individual fastener for each pair of eyelets on the shoes.

The present invention contemplates an improved shoe fastening device which can be readily attached to the shoe, which is adjustable if desired, and which is readily attached and detached by a user if this is desired.

It is a further object to provide a shoe fastening device readily adapted to elastic fastening to render a snug fit of the shoe around the arch and which can be adjusted to the individual comfort as well as provide an attractive addition to a shoe. This again lends the device to a variety of different decorative means which can be varied to the test of the users.

Various other features relating to details of construction and operation will be apparent in the following description and claims.

Drawings accompany the disclosure and the various views thereof may be briefly described as:

FIGURE 1, a vertical section of the device showing the relationship of the parts in fastened position.

FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, sectional views on line 22, 3-3 and 44 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5, a sectional view showing the manner in which the fastening strand is applied to the fastener.

FIGURE 6, a view of the end clip which underlies the decorative cover.

FIGURE 7, a view 'of a modified construction which can be more readily applied by an individual user.

FIGURE 8, another modification of the device showing the separated parts.

FIGURE 9, a view of the parts of FIGURE 8 in closed position.

FIGURE 10, a sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11, a modified structure showing the parts separated.

FIGURE 12, a closed position of the parts shown in FIGURE 11.

FIGURES 13, 14 and 15, perspective views of a modified construction showing the anchoring end.

FIGURE 16, a perspective view showing a removable end of a modified structure.

FIGURE 17, a view of the parts in engaged position.

FIGURE 18, a perspective view of the completed fasener showing both ends.

Referring to the drawings:

In FIGURE 1, the separable flap or bridge portions of a shoe containing the eyelets are shown at 20, 22 with eyelets 24, 26. In each eyelet of the shoe is a fastening unit which comprises a tubular portion 30 which has an underportion 32 which is flanged over to lock the tubular portion in the eyelet. The top of the tubular portion is formed as a fiat block C with opposed and separated return hook portions 34 and 36, each of which provides a recess portion 38 and 40 and a center opening 42 between the tops of the hook portions. If desired, the structure can be formed as shown in FIGURE 7 with two depending achoring prongs 50 again with the same C-shaped top with hook portions 34 and 36.

The device of FIGURE 7 can be applied by an individual quite readily whereas the device shown in FIGURE 1 3,217,371 Patented Nov. 16, 1965 would require either factory application or a special tool. The cross fastener is preferably composed of a flat strand 60 of elastic material having an end clip 62 with an adjustable clip 64 which can be moved along a strand to an adjusted position but which is dimensioned to block across the hooks 34, 36 when drawn into them as shown in FIGURE 1. The strand loops over the tops of the fastener on the right-hand side as shown in FIGURE 1 and extends across the bridge of the shoe to the fastening end where there is C-shaped or channel-shaped head member 70 which is clamped to the end of the strand 60 by the malleable underportions 72, 74 (FIGURE 6).

Applied to the channel-shaped head member 70 is a decorative cap which is clamped into side indentations 82 of the head member 70 as shown in FIGURE 3. The device is removed and applied in a manner shown in FIGURE 5. The flat strand 60 is flexible and collapsible so that one edge 84 can be inserted in a recess 38 and the material folded or collapsed to the point that the other edge 86 will move through the opening 42 into the recess 40, thus spreading out as shown in FIGURE 2 to the normal dimension with edges underlying the hooks of the fastener.

The head member stops against the hooks 34, 36 to insure a solid locking. Stretching of the strand member 60 also facilitates this fastening and unfastening action. The decorative cap has a portion 88 to overlie the fastener hooks 34, 36.

In FIGURE 8, a modified head structure is shown wherein the strand 60 is passed into a head member 90, C-shaped in cross section, having saw-toothed edges 92 and S74 projecting inwardly toward each other and a small tab extension 96 adapted to fit in the recess 42; thus, when the device is closed, it appears as shown in FIGURE 9.

In FIGURES 11 and 12, a somewhat similar device is shown. The head member 100 in this case has the serrated edges as shown in FIGURE 8 with a slightly different outside configuration wherein the C-shaped head 100 has a bight portion of converging plane sections 102 and 104 with side tabs 106 and 108 which infold and retain the end of the strand 60. A raised and projecting member 110 moves into the recess 42 between the hooks 34 and 36. The operation of the device is the same as previously described in that the strand member is tilted into the recess 42, one edge being moved under one of the hooks and the other edge being subsequently moved into the other of the hooks. A release of the head then allows it to take the assembled position shown in FIG- URES 9 and 12.

In FIGURES 13, 14 and 15, a modified structure is shown for the anchoring portion of the fiat strand 60. On the flap 22 a C-shaped fastening element of the type previously described is shown anchored having portions 34 and 36 with the gap 42. On the flat strand 60 is a small plate having an opening 122 for receiving and retaining the flat strand 60. On the other end of the plate is a hooked-over portion 124.

In assembling the device, the plate 120 is slipped on to the strand to any position of adjustment desired, and the strand is pulled into the fastener as shown in FIGURE 13 so that it reaches the position shown in FIGURE 14. Then as the strand is brought around as shown in FIG- URE 15, it bears on the rounded end 126, this end being smooth to provide a bearing surface for the flat strand. The device is readily disassembled as will be seen by reversing the motion of the strand.

In FIGURES 16 and 17, a modified structure is shown for the removable end of the strand wherein the button has a neck portion 132. The button is clamped on the end of the strand and the neck portion overlies a portion of the strand projecting toward the fastener elements and dimensioned to be received within the fastener elements as shown in FIGURE 17. The button 130 can be a decorative element in and of itself or it may have a fastening stud 134 thereon which serve as a retainer for a decorative cap 136. Thus, the fastener element 130 is locked into position so that it can only be dislodged by a reversing motion of the button 130.

In the appended claims, I have attempted to delineate the novelty of my device over known prior art for the purpose of defining the protected area as well as notifying the public relative to the unprotected area. However, I do intend by this claiming to cover any colorable variations, reversal of parts, or equivalents of the device which are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure and not anticipated by the prior art.

I claim:

1. A fastener for shoes, garments and the like which comprises in combination (a) a C-shaped fastener element having opposed ends forming a retaining loop and means to anchor to a piece to be fastened,

(b) a strand to lie within the loop of the C-shaped fastener, and

(c) an anchoring piece adjustably positioned on said strand and adapted for engagement with said loop comprising a body receivable in said loop having at one end a recess to receive said strand, and a return fiap on said body having a bight portion to engage the sides of said loop and a return portion to overlie the ends of said retaining loop, said bight portion serving as a bearing portion for said strand in a return fold over said element in assembly.

2. A fastener for shoes, garments and the like which comprises in combination (a) a C-shaped fastener element having opposed ends forming a retaining loop on either side of a short gap and means to anchor to a piece to be fastened, said fastener being relatively fiat in section to receive a fiat band,

(b) a flat band to lie within the loop of the C-shaped fastener, insertable transversely through the gap of the loop, and

(c) an anchoring piece adjustably positioned on said strand and adapted for engagement with said loop comprising a body receivable in said loop having formed thereon opposed hooks forming a T-shaped opening to receive said strand transversely in the cross-bar of the T, and a return flap on said body having a bight portion to engage the sides of said loop and a return portion to overlie the ends of said retaining loop and the gap between the ends of said loop, said bight portion serving as a bearing portion for said strand in a return fold over said element in assembly.

3. A fastener for shoes, garments, and the like comprising (a) a pair of spaced anchored fasteners each formed as a C-shaped element having return hook portions extending toward each other but separated by a space,

(b) a flat fastener strand spanning said spaced fasteners with edges adjacent the ends underlying said return portions of said hooks, and

(c) retaining enlargements on said strand adjacent the ends thereof and abutting the sides of said C-shaped elements, at least one of said enlargements having a portion to overlie and conceal a said fastener, the other of said fasteners being concealed by a return fold of said strand.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 in which the retaining enlargement on one end of the strand comprises (a) a member secured to the strand having a lateral dimension greater than the strand, and

(b) the overlying portion on said member overlying the end of the strand on which it is mounted and providing a recess to slidably receive and cover the fastening device against which it abuts.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 in which the strand is a flat elastic strip and the member secured to said one end of said strand is a C-shaped element clamped to the end of the strand.

6. A device as defined in claim 3 in which the retaining enlargement on one end of the strand is of sheet material clamped over the end of the strand having a portion to enter and fill the space between the hook portions and adjacent portions to abut the sides of the hook portions.

7. A device as defined in claim 6 in which the sides of the said one end of the strand are enclosed by opposed tabs on the edges of the sheet material.

8. A device as defined in claim 3 in which the retaining enlargement on one end of the strand comprises (a) a member clamped on the said one end of the fiat strand having a C-shaped cross section on an axis longitudinally of the shoe, and

(b) means on said member to overlie a portion of the C-shaped fastening element to provide a decorative effect therewith.

9. A fastener for application to the bridging flap of a shoe and the like which comprises (a) an anchoring means to be secured to said flap,

(b) a C-shaped fastening element on said anchoring means lying above and longitudinally of the shoe, the axis of the C being transverse to the shoe and the opening of the C being at the top, and

(c) a retaining device to be used with said fastening device which comprises ((1) a flat strand adapted to have its edges retained in the C-shaping fastening element, and

(e) means on one end of the strand and secured thereto for engaging the edges of one side of said C- shaped element to block motion of the strand through said element, said means having a portion to overlie and conceal said fastening element,

(f) the said means on the one end of the strand comprising a plate having an aperture along one edge and a hook portion formed at the other edge extending the width of the strand, said plate being dimensioned to be received Within the C-shaped fastening element together with the strand, said hook means serving to block the motion of said plate through said fastening element and also serving as a bearing surface for the strand when pulled over the fastening element, the aperture of said plate permitting adjustable positioning of said plate on said strand.

10. A shoe fastener for application to the bridging flap of a shoe and the like which. comprises (a) an anchoring means to be secured to said flap,

(b) a C-shaped fastening element on said anchoring means lying above and longitudinally of the shoe, the axis of the C being transverse to the shoe and the opening of the C being at the top, and v (c) a retaining device to be used with said fastening device which comprises (d) a flat strand adapted to have its edges retained in the C-shaped fastening element, and

(e) means on one end of the strand and secured thereto for engaging the edges of one side of said C-shaped element to block motion of the strand through said element, said means having a portion to overlie and conceal said fastening element,

(f) the said means on the one end of the strand comprising a relatively rigid retainer secured to said strand having a portion to be received within the C- shaped fastening element and having a portion di mensioned larger than the passage through said fastening element to block the motion of said retainer and lock the attached strand relative to the fastening element, said retainer having a transverse bearing surface substantially the width of the strand, said strand underlying and overlying said retainer in a U-shaped relationship, the bight of the strand overlying said bearing surface. 11. A fastener for shoes, garments and the like which comprises in combination (a) a fastener element forming a retaining loop and means to anchor to a piece to be fastened,

(b) a strand to lie within the loop of the fastener, and

(c) an anchoring piece adjustably positioned on said strand and adapted for engagement with said loop comprising a body receivable in said loop having one end secured to said strand, and a return flap on said body having a bight portion to engage the sides of said loop and a return portion to overlie said retaining loop, said bight portion serving as a bearing portion for said strand in a return fold over said element in assembly.

12. A fastener for application to the bridging flap of a shoe, garment and the like which comprises (a) an anchoring means to be secured to said flap,

(b) a fastening element on said anchoring means forming a loop lying above and longitudinally of the flap, the axis of the loop being transverse to the edge of the flap, and

(c) a retaining device to be used with said fastening device which comprises (d) a strand adapted to be retained in the loop of the fastening element, and

(e) means on one end of the strand and secured thereto for engaging the edges of one side of said fastening element to block motion of the strand through said fastening element, said means having a portion to overlie and conceal said fastening element,

(f) the said means on the one end of the strand comprising a plate having an aperture along one edge and a hook portion formed at the other edge, said plate being dimensioned to be received within the fastening element together with the strand, said hook means serving to block the motion of said plate through said fastening element and also serving as a bearing surface for the strand when pulled over the fastening element, the aperture of said plate permitting adjustable positioning of said plate on said strand.

13. A releasable fastener for shoes, garments and the like which comprises in combination:

(a) a fastener element forming a retaining loop having an axis parallel to the direction in which tension is to be applied to said fastener and having edges extending transversely of said direction and having means to anchor said element to a piece to be fastened,

(b) a flexible strand to lie within the loop of the fastener element generally in the direction of the axis of the loop,

(c) an anchoring piece secured to said flexible strand adapted for engagement with said loop by movement in one direction along the axis of the loop and disengagement with said loop by movement in the opposite direction comprising a body having a portion receivable in said loop along with a portion of said flexible strand when moved in the direction of the axis of the loop,

(d) means on said body to abut against the edges of said loop to limit the motion of said body relative to said loop, and

(e) a portion on said body overlying and concealing said loop when said means on said body is abutting against the edges of said loop.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 116,653 7/1871 Webb 24-140 X 197,169 11/1877 Paul 24-230 530,318 12/1894 Adams 24230 X 1,667,307 4/ 1928 Buckingham. 2,205,348 6/ 1940 Del Camp.

FOREIGN PATENTS 15,116 1884 Great Britain. 27,355 1897 Great Britain.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.

DONLEY J. STOCKING, Examiner. 

13. A RELEASABLE FASTENER FOR SHOES, GARMENTS AND THE LIKE WHICH COMPRISES COMBINATION: (A) A FASTENER ELEMENT FORMING A RETAINING LOOP HAVING AN AXIS PARALLEL TO THE DIRECTION IN WHICH TENSION IS TO BE APPLIED TO SAID FASTENER AND HAVING EDGES EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID DIRECTION AND HAVING MEANS TO ANCHOR SAID ELEMENT TO A PIECE TO BE FASTENDED, (B) A FLEXIBLE STRAND TO LIE WITHIN THE LOOP OF THE FASTENER ELEMENT GENERALLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE AXIS OF THE LOOP, (C) AN ANCHORING PIECE SECURED TO SAID FLEXIBLE STRAND ADAPTED FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID LOOP BY MOVEMENT IN ONE DIRECTION ALONG THE AXIS OF THE LOOP AND DISENGAGEMENT WITH SAID LOOP BY MOVEMENT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION COMPRISING A BODY HAVING A PORTION RECEIVABLE IN SAID LOOP ALONG WITH A PORTION OF THE FLEXIBLE STRAND WHEN MOVED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE AXIS OF THE LOOP, (D) MEANS ON SAID BODY TO ABUT AGAINST THE EDGES OF SAID LOOP TO LIMIT THE MOTION OF SAID BODY RELATIVE TO SAID LOOP, AND (E) A POSITION ON SAID BODY OVERLYING AND CONCEALING AGAINST THE EDGES OF SAID LOOP. 